Siloam Springs, Ark. – The Friends University Falcons fell to a second-half surge by the No. 23-ranked Olivet Nazarene University Tigers in a 4-2 setback at the NAIA National Championship First Round match this evening (Nov. 16) at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark. With the win, the Tigers advance to the bracket championship game vs. JBU Saturday afternoon (Nov. 18) at 1 pm.
Down by one goal at the half, Elisa Murrietta picked a fine time for her career goal with a score at the 65:32 mark.
But the Tigers responded in a big way, getting goals from Hannah Dela Vega in the 67th minute and then another score by Alaina Bahr less than four minutes later to put it away.
The Falcons fell behind in the first half on Bahr's first goal in the 17th minute of action.
Hanon Nakagami answered for Friends with her ninth goal of the season at the 25:57 mark to square the match at 1-1.
But late in the half, Sara Loichinger put the Tigers back in front at the break with a score in the 40th minute.
"Always tough to end a season, but our players need to be proud of the season we've had," said Friends women's soccer head coach Brent Hobson. "This group has been incredibly coachable all year, they've had a strong bond on and off the field this year."
Forced to play again without leading scorer and distributor Keily Larosee, the Falcons were outshot 19-5 overall and 12-4 on-goal. Nakagami led the team with two shots, with both being on-goal.
Nia Baker made seven saves with four goals allowed for the Falcons (13-5-4) and Meegan Randall stopped two shots while surrendering two goals for the Tigers (12-4-4).
Tonight's loss caps the best season in recent history, as the Falcons went unbeaten in the KCAC (10-0-3) for the first time in the modern era while winning double-digit matches for the third consecutive season.
"Our season ended on this field in 2021 and I told them we'd be back," said Hobson. "I know this program will be back in the National Tournament again soon."
"I appreciate all the seniors, we can't thank them enough. They've all impacted this program in many ways."
